Preparation Method
Make the Secret Sauce: Begin by preparing the secret sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized. This process will take about 15-20 minutes, allowing the natural sugars in the onions to develop and create a deep, rich flavor. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
Prepare the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a thin patty. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper to taste. In the same skillet you used for the onions, cook the patties over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are fully cooked and nicely browned. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Assemble the Patty Melts: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Top each slice with a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a cooked beef patty. Add a generous portion of the caramelized onions on top of each patty, then place a slice of cheddar cheese over the onions. Finish with the remaining slices of rye bread, butter-side up.
Grill the Patty Melts: Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Be sure to flip the sandwiches carefully to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Serve: Once the patty melts are done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally for easier eating. Serve immediately with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled over the top of the sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Conclusion
Tip
For a little extra crunch, you can add a few slices of crispy bacon to the sandwiches. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the secret sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. These small variations can make your patty melts even more personalized and delicious.
Conclusion
These Patty Melts are a delightful blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for when you crave something hearty and comforting. The combination of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and juicy beef patties, all enveloped in crispy, buttery rye bread, makes for an unforgettable meal. Paired with the tangy secret sauce, this dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy every bite of this classic comfort food!
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